Tag Archives: natural stone

When we consider surfaces for the kitchen and bath, we typically think first about horizontal surfaces such as countertops, vanities, islands and flooring. However, it’s important also to consider vertical elements and how the creative application of materials such as natural stone can bring these areas to life in bold and unique ways.

The interesting use of surface materials on backsplashes, walls and shower enclosures merges the best of function + form – not only helping to protect walls from moisture and splatter, but also delivering depth, dimensionality and visual interest.

Available in a wide variety of materials and colors, backsplashes are a great place to play up style in the kitchen or bath. For those looking for a more dramatic look, accent walls can transform what are often viewed as utilitarian spaces into places of beauty and inspiration.

For example, distinctive slabs of natural stone can be placed behind a bathtub or sink to create a dramatic focal point or be used as a stunning backdrop for a shower enclosure. Backlit stones such as onyx are particularly striking in this type of application.

Mosaics, inlays, tiles and “book matched” materials provide another way to capture the eyes while also enabling individual expression through interesting patterns and color combinations.

Whether choosing neutral hues to create a soothing, organic backdrop or opting to add a pop of color, the inspired use of vertical surfaces enables us to see kitchen and bathroom spaces in a new light.

Our KBtribechat discussion questions:

Q1) Do you have a go-to material that you use for backsplashes? Why that material?
Q2) Solid backsplash or tile/mosaic (patterned) backsplash – what’s your preference? Photos please.

Q3) When it comes to backsplashes/shower surrounds for the bathroom, what are your favorite materials?

Q4) What are some of the most interesting kitchen/bath accent walls treatments you’ve seen?

No matter the size of the residence, when it comes to their kitchens and baths, homeowners expect these spaces to reflect their personalities and lifestyles while also being functional and beautiful. So, how do designers address this challenge?

Whether a space is compact and efficient, expansive and luxurious, or somewhere in between, good design comes down to balance and properly managing scale and proportion. Creating interesting focal points and finding ways to add dimensionality – for example, through layering and the artful use of color and pattern – can give the illusion of added space in a smaller room or prevent a larger space from appearing overwhelming.

Although there isn’t a “one size fits all” solution to kitchen and bath design, it can be helpful to select materials that can be easily adapted to any space. For example, natural stone is a versatile and highly durable material that can be used for everything from countertops and vanities to backsplashes, flooring, walls and shower surrounds. And, because natural stone is available in so many colors, patterns and textures, the design possibilities are virtually endless.

In a marketplace crowded with new, often manmade options for kitchen and bathroom surfaces, why do designers and consumers continue to choose natural stone? We know that natural stone is one of the world’s oldest building materials, but since designers and architects continue to imagine innovative ways to use this classic material, natural stone is anything but outdated. Natural stone is durable, versatile, unique, and easy to maintain—not to mention environmentally-friendly. When treated properly, natural stone can last a lifetime, taking on different personas within a space. Variations in natural stone’s broad range of color, pattern, and texture are interesting and impossible to replicate. The intrinsic properties of natural stone cannot be mimicked, manufactured, or faked. Perhaps a better question would be: why wouldn’t you choose natural stone?

MIA+BSI: The Natural Stone Institute is an industry trade association serving over 1900 members in 55 countries who represent every aspect of the natural stone industry. Their new website features stories and photos that seek to educate and inspire visitors to choose natural stone.